What makes successful entrepreneurs different in temporal and goal-commitment dimensions?

Abstract

Purpose The article is an attempt to identify, with respect to temporal and goal-commitment dimension (effort, persistence, goal satisfaction), the characteristics of entrepreneurs in different stages of the entrepreneurial process (the prelaunch and postlaunch phases) and to indicate the differences between entrepreneurs and nonentrepreneurs. Methodology To answer this question, data from three samples were collected. Actual ( N = 127) and nascent ( N = 344) entrepreneurs filled questionnaires: the Scale of Entrepreneurial Success, the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, and Goal Questionnaire. These two groups were compared to participants either not interested in opening their own business or showing low intention to start their business ( N = 475). Findings The results showed that both types of entrepreneurs were more future-oriented and perceived their presence less fatalistically than the group not interested in becoming entrepreneurs. Additionally, entrepreneurs put in more effort, were more persistent in pursuing their goals, and derived more satisfaction from their goals.